Selection Sunday is the central thought for sports fans in Harrisonburg Va. this weekend, as everyone waits to learn James Madison’s destination for its first game in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament since 1994.

In the meantime, there’s an important college baseball series between the CAA favorite UNCW and the Dukes, who failed to qualify for last year’s tournament held on their home turf but hope a high-powered offense will thrust them into the field this May.

It’s a classic battle of the best pitching staff in the CAA against one of the better lineups. JMU is 2nd in

UNCW coach Mark Scalf is confident in his staff as he should be, coming off a terrific weekend sweep of VCU where the starters allowed four earned runs in 24.1 innings. Still, the veteran skipper understands that Eagle Field at Veterans Memorial Park can make the strongest pitcher look ordinary. Last time it visited there, in 2011, UNCW allowed 27 runs and was swept by the Dukes. The Seahawks must be prepared to battle back and understand that no deficit is insurmountable, as they proved last year in rallying to defeat Delaware to win the CAA championship.

The past two CAA baseball titleholders square off in an early 3 game series that will hard fought.
Hawks pitching improved,Dukes bats are hot.
The proverbial battle of pitching versus bat?
Should be 3 good games.